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Hong Kong is very much a modern cosmopolitan city but its predominantly Chinese heritage means that a number of Chinese festivals are enthusiastically celebrated. Even in this modern age, the people of Hong Kong adhere to ancient customs, celebrating festivals by visiting temples, engaging in or watching lion and dragon dancing, and burning large amounts of incense.
One of the most popular and widely celebrated occasions for the people of this city is the distinctive Tin Hau Festival. Also known as the Birthday of Tin Hau, this festive occasion occurs on the third month’s 23rd day on the lunar calendar; its date on the Western calendar in 2014 is the 22nd April. Tin Hau is in fact the Goddess of the Seas and is also revered as the patron saint of the fisher folk. Since the city has a strong maritime legacy, it is not surprising that its residents celebrate this event with great reverence and devotion.
On this day, locals throng the many temples dedicated to the goddess, which number more than 70. On the day, fishermen traditionally visit the temples to pray to the deity for security, safety, calm weather and productive fishing in the year ahead. Such is the deity’s popularity in Hong Kong that even young people who have never set foot on a fishing trawler visit the temples to honour the goddess.
In certain parts of the city, parades of attractive floral wreaths are held, along with the vibrant lion dances. Musical bands made up of schoolchildren from many local schools join the procession on this festive occasion. Interestingly, the floral wreaths brought by the various participant villages are later raffled; the winner wins all the wreaths and is thought to gain good fortune. In the area of Sai Kung, a colourful procession of elaborately decorated fishing boats winds its steady way to the most ancient Tin Hau shrine in the city. Many thousands of devotees throng this shrine to pay their respects to the venerated deity. With so much to see and enjoy, there is no better time to visit the city.
If you are interested in visiting this cosmopolitan city and desire a Hong Kong hotel to host your time here, there is no better choice than the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This convenient Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong offers provides comfortable accommodations and courteous service.